Ancient Shiv temple, said to be established by Lord Ram, beckons devotees at Maharashtra's Sangli

By Rajnish Singh
Sangli (Maharashtra), May 2 : In the secluded hinterlands of Maharashtra's Sangli lies the quaint hamlet of Haripur, where an age-old temple dedicated to Lord Shiv consecrated by Lord Ram graces the meeting point of the Krishna and Warna rivers, drawing pilgrims from afar and locals alike, seeking solace and spiritual connection amidst its ancient walls.
Located at the sacred confluence known as 'Sangam', the temple earns its renowned title as the Sangameshwar Shiv Temple.
With a rich history spanning centuries, this architectural marvel boasts elaborately carved wooden pillars and several ancillary shrines adorning its precincts.
Steeped in historical significance and mythological lore, legend has it that the temple's "Shivling" received the reverence of Lord Ram during his exile.
Situated amidst tranquil riverside environs and steeped in mythos, this ancient sanctuary attracts devout pilgrims year-round.
Haripur, a stone's throw away from Sangli city, lies just 55 kilometres from Kolhapur, easily reachable within a half-hour drive.
Travellers embarking on this journey need only follow the Kolhapur-Sangli highway, turning left at the entrance to Sangli city and proceeding towards Haripur. A picturesque three-kilometre stretch along a verdant road, adorned with the shade of tamarind trees, leads visitors to the hallowed grounds of the ancient Sangameshwar Shiv temple, situated at the confluence.
With a history spanning over four centuries, the temple stands as a testament to its rich heritage.
Vijay Kumar Raghunath Guru, the chief priest at the temple, told ANI, "This temple is known as Sangameshwar Shiv Temple. It is said that Lord Rama placed this Shivling during his exile while going to Rameshwaram from Ayodhya. He stayed (Ram) here as this place was situated at the confluence of Krishna and Warna rivers.There is a description about this place in the 15th Chapter of Guru Charitra as well as in the Kashi Khand. Our ancestors have been taking care and offering prayers at this temple as its priests."

"This site was later revered by devotees. Devotees visit here every day. A pilgrimage is undertaken here in 'Shrawan maas' (a Hindu month between July and August considered as most auspicious). There are handprints of Lord Rama on the Shivling. The height of the Shivling is 18 feet from the ground but its small part is visible here in the temple," claimed Raghunath Guru.
One of the devotees visiting the temple, Ravi Rai, a resident of Sangli, told ANI that it was a very auspicious temple, and people believe that their wishes are fulfilled when anyone offers prayer here.
"Lord Rama established this Shivlinga, and his handprints are also visible on it," Rai said.
Once a predominantly Brahmin community, the village earned its name, Haripur; however, it has since evolved into a multicultural hub.

This location serves as the perfect weekend getaway, providing ample natural beauty for a tranquil escape from urban hustle and bustle.
A young resident of Sangli, Prajwal, told ANI, "Besides the refreshing and cool ambiance at the river junction, the surrounding area boasts expansive farmlands on both sides of the road leading to the village. The beauty of the confluence of the two rivers is that their colours are different when it is observered minutely. The colour of the Krishna river's water is green, while the water colour of the Varna river is dusty."

This picturesque locale is a place of attraction for photographers, grabbing the attention of numerous visitors eager to capture the breathtaking sunset at the convergence of the rivers.